The best solution seems to be using a #Technic hub that runs #pybricks and connecting to it from a #raspberrypi over bluetooth.
I know this works, because I have done it before, but it does complicate things a lot for my not-so-technical users that want to follow along. It means maintaining code for both the Pi and the Hub and creating a protocol so they can communicate. Not impossible, but it seriously increases the learning curve.
Yesterday, I sent out my latest update on my #Lego sorting machine https://ml.streamhead.com/preview/445139/emails/153954825556461462
I mentioned that I had started the process of migrating away from the #EV3 onto the #Raspberry Pi Build HAT. However, after only a few hours with the HAT, I am already disappointed.
The Build HAT is not very reliable, does not have some functionality I want to use (detecting if a motor is stalled) and is completely closed and protected so the awesome people at #pybricks won' t be porting their software.
@laurensvalk Nice to see you here! You may want to check out https://digitalcourage.social/@f09fa681/113726242623687462 - it's all done using #Pybricks for the last hop now with a primary train hub and N secondary train hubs (listening on a broadcast channel). Think I should make it open source but the entanglement with #Threema group calls makes it a bit tricky right now.
@laurensvalk I cannot say enough about how awesome the work that @laurensvalk is doing - and how awesome he is as a person.
It is incredible that he has been able to do what the LEGO Group could not or did not want to do - unify the MINDSTORMS user experience under one app.
If you have a MINDSTORMS kit gathering dust bring it out again and try #pybricks - and if you don't want to do that, consider donating it to a kid in your area that is interested in tinkering.
Letzte Woche Mittwoch erschienen die Aufgaben zur #WRO Saison 2025. Heute kam die Matte an und wir haben die Hindernisse und Aufgaben gebaut, die Python Entwicklungsumgebung mit PyCharm auf den Rechnern an den Start gebracht und ich habe als Coach angefangen einen Projektplan aufzusetzen, Doku vorzubereiten und ein Kanbanboard in GitHub aufgesetzt. 💪
Jetzt müssen wir nur noch die Aufgaben bis zum Regionalentscheid am 18.05. irgendwie schaffen. 🫣
#wro2025 #WorldRobotOlympiad #legospike #pybricks
Thanks for the mention on Linux Out Loud @WendyDLN
Here's some additional notes that may or may not be useful 😀 , roughly in order of the podcast.
1. Firefox not supporting Web Bluetooth/USB is unlikely to change due to security concerns. See their official position here: https://mozilla.github.io/standards-positions/#web-bluetooth
Glad you found Chromium as an alternative.
2. Thank you for being supportive of #Pybricks having some add-on stuff for supporters like block coding! It's a fine balance to make #FOSS work.
Control your #Duplo train with your other #LEGO sets using #Pybricks #micropython !
Kids can normally drive the train with an iPad, but this adds some fun play and learning opportunities beyond the push-and-go function, without extra screen time.
And it's pretty easy! Full guide: https://pybricks.com/project/control-the-duplo-train/
This demo is really basic, but you can build your own dashboard with literal bells and whistles 😀
Time for more balancing fun with #Pybricks #MicroPython ! This time with #LEGO Education SPIKE Prime.
@laurensvalk I think the bigger news is that this monster can be controlled with your video game handset - so that when LEGO deprecates support for the app you still have options :-)
Plus you can program it with Micro Python to do smooth traverses and other cool tricks.
Well done @laurensvalk
@choofa @jimsalter have you heard of #Pybricks ?
It works with the modern Lego Technic hubs and stuff.
This looks like fun too!
#vandaag #today #Delft #robots #RoboCupJunior
#PyBricks #AntonsMindstorms #MindVermeer
Liefhebbers van robotjes! Vandaag in het Science Centre Delft: NK RoboCup Junior.
4 Leagues:
OnStage, Redden Basis, Redden, Voetbal.
Next step of the #Pybricks #MicroPython powered trains! Now they coordinate departure wirelessly.
It's a decentralized consensus mechanism built with #LEGO.
I upgraded my #childhood #lego #train to use #Pybricks #MicroPython. It stops at train stations now. No rail loops required. The passengers are happy about this --- considering they've been asleep like that for about 20 years...
Son is home sick today, but got better around noon, and was started to get bored. So I decided this was a good time for him to up his robotics.
We installed the firmware on his Boost Hub, and got him started on #Pybricks
I don't have access to blockprogramming there, and have never tried pybricks before, so decided wth, hardcore mode.
With some help, he made a small program to make the robot: drive forwards, start turning when distance got below 100, then drive when it became 100 again
You can now use your #xbox controller with #pybricks #micropython! Works with #lego technic and #lego spike.
@hendrix79 @alicesutaren @maehw Oh, that's very recent! Fully supported with #Pybricks
It has a simple protocol to exchange data by advertising and scanning data over BLE.
By making your Raspberry Pi broadcast such data, your hub can listen to that and follow commands.
https://github.com/pybricks/technical-info/blob/master/pybricks-ble-broadcast-observe.md
Here's #Pybricks #MicroPython used in astronomy! This is a brilliant #LEGO Orrery running with a Technic Hub, and a camera to replicate actual astronomy measurements to teach students how it works in practice. Check out more details in the original post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Astronomy/comments/19akwff/lego_orrery_further_details_and_videos_of_the/
@embedded @rhempel @logicalelegance @stoneymonster This episode also mentions #Pybricks, if you didn't know it @laurensvalk — it may be interesting for you independently anyways. The first one I actually started listening to the podcast now. #LEGO #Mindstorms
